Mitchell James Cole (6 October 1985 – 30 November 2012) was an English footballer who played as a winger. Cole was forced to retire from professional football in 2011 as a result of a deteriorating heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, that meant it was dangerous for him to continue playing competitive football. Cole started his career in the academy at West Ham United. He was released in 2004 and joined Grays Athletic. During his first season with Grays, the club won the Conference South title, as well as the FA Trophy. He joined Southend United in 2005, spending a year-and-a-half at the club before signing for Stevenage Borough for an undisclosed fee in January 2007. He scored in the first ever competitive final at the new Wembley Stadium as Stevenage won the FA Trophy in May 2007; also winning the trophy again in May 2009. He helped Stevenage earn promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history during the 2009–10 campaign, finishing the season as Conference Premier champions. In June 2010, Cole signed for League Two club Oxford United, playing six times before retiring from professional football in February 2011 due to a heart condition. Ahead of the 2011–12 season, Cole joined Stotfold and played twice for them. He then spent time playing at Southern Football League clubs Hitchin Town and Biggleswade Town, before joining Arlesey Town in January 2012. Club career Early career Born in London, Cole started his football career at Norwich City's centre of excellence, based in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. When the centre was closed, Cole joined West Ham United's academy. He was released by West Ham in 2004. Having struggled with injuries towards the end of his time at West Ham, Cole contemplated giving up playing football. He put on a stone in weight and did not play for a year. It was suggested to him to train with Essex club Grays Athletic in the summer of 2004. He was subsequently offered a contract by Grays manager Mark Stimson. He played regularly during the 2004–05 season and helped Grays achieve promotion from the Conference South to the Conference National, scoring five goals in 35 appearances. That season, Cole also started in the 2005 FA Trophy Final against Hucknall Town on 23 May 2005; a match in which Grays won on penalties. Cole's performances for Grays meant he was signed by League One club